Limpkin Aramus guarauna

Identification Tips:

• Length: 22 inches Wingspan: 42 inches
• Large long-necked long-legged wading bird; with neck extended in flight
• Long, slightly decurved bill with yellowish-orange base and dark tip
• Often flicks and cocks short tail while walking a high-stepping gait
• Dark brown plumage
• Head, neck, and underparts streaked extensively with white
• Back and upperwing coverts have bold white spots and streaks
• Immature similar to adult, but paler
• White-streaked underwing coverts visible in flight
• Sexes similar

Similar species:

Ibises have thinner more strongly decurved bills and lack white spots on upperparts. Immature Night-Herons have much shorter legs and necks, and shorter, thicker bills.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.